This new low energy house in Oxfordshire has been submitted for planning – combining traditional shapes and building form with a sharp modern palette of materials. Whilst the project is part of a downsizing exercise for our client as they look forward towards retirement, the brief was to create large and generous living spaces that have a strong connection with outside and the lovely rural setting. The design is composed of two main elements, with the main 1.5 storey core providing the key living spaces and double height entrance hall, and a grass roofed, zinc clad single storey element providing additional accommodation without increasing first floor massing.

The client is keen to adopt super low Passivhaus principles to create a home with minimal energy needs and high levels of occupant comfort – a really important factor in homes designed for retirement.

The project was carefully developed with Matthew Chadwick of The John Phillips Planning Consultancy Ltd. (JPPC)